Findings published in journal of Thoracic Disease conclude novel scope is effective for both thorough airway inspection and transbronchial needle aspiration

We are gratified that Fujifilm technology was studied by these respected clinician-authors and published in the prestigious Journal of Thoracic Disease,” said Keiichi Nagata, president, Endoscopy Division of FUJIFILM Medical Systems U.S.A., Inc.

The Endoscopy Division of FUJIFILM Medical Systems U.S.A., Inc. today announced that its EB-530US bronchoscope is the subject of a research article published in the October 2015 issue of the Journal of Thoracic Disease. The study--a randomized, controlled trial evaluating airway inspection effectiveness during endobronchial ultrasound bronchoscopy—was conducted by teams of researchers at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The goal of the research was to assess the ability of Fujifilm’s hybrid endobronchial ultrasound (H-EBUS) bronchoscope to perform a full airway inspection and transbronchial needle aspiration (TBNA) in patients with mediastinal and hilar adenopathy.

“We are gratified that Fujifilm technology was studied by these respected clinician-authors and published in the prestigious Journal of Thoracic Disease,” said Keiichi Nagata, president, Endoscopy Division of FUJIFILM Medical Systems U.S.A., Inc.

Traditionally, conventional endobronchial ultrasound (C-EBUS) bronchoscopes are used in the evaluation of these patients. However, the authors note that there are limitations to the technology including inability to perform a complete airway inspection, low definition optics, and limited maneuverability. These limitations require the use of a standard bronchoscope to perform an airway examination prior to the EBUS procedure.

A prospective, randomized controlled trial was performed to evaluate the differences between H-EBUS (Fujifilm’s EB-530US) and C-EBUS bronchoscopes for airway inspection and the diagnosis and staging of lung cancer. The study assessed sixty-two consecutive patients undergoing EBUS-TBNA from November 2013 to January 2014. Patients were prospectively randomized to either Fujifilm’s EB-530US or C-EBUS. In cases in which EBUS-TBNA was the only procedure performed, use of a second bronchoscope to perform an adequate airway inspection was significantly higher in C-EBUS compared to Fujifilm’s EB-530US. There was also better segmental visualization achieved in multiple lobes when using Fujifilm’s EB-530US.

The authors conclude that use of Fujifilm’s EB-530US may improve the ability to perform an adequate airway inspection— potentially obviating the need for a conventional bronchoscope.

“Congratulations to the research teams for their thorough investigation and significant contribution to medical literature,” said Kaz Maenosono, senior director of Marketing, Endoscopy Division of FUJIFILM Medical Systems U.S.A., Inc. “Ultimately, this study is another step toward better patient outcomes.”

With a distal end outer diameter of 6.7mm, the EB-530US scope is designed to improve maneuverability, insertion capability and physician efficiency. Equipped with high-resolution and ultra-small Super CCD chip technology, this scope offers vivid, high-resolution endoscopic images. Unique design features of the EB-530US include a 10° forward oblique view, dual light guide for even illumination and exceptional bending capability to facilitate targeting of accessories.

About Fujifilm
FUJIFILM Medical Systems U.S.A., Inc. is a leading provider of diagnostic imaging products and medical informatics solutions to meet the needs of healthcare facilities today and well into the future. From an unrivaled selection of digital x-ray systems, to the Synapse® brand of PACS, RIS and cardiovascular products, to advanced women’s health imaging systems, Fujifilm has products that are ideal for any size imaging environment. The Endoscopy Division of FUJIFILM Medical Systems U.S.A., Inc. supplies high quality, technologically advanced FUJINON brand endoscopes to the medical market. The TeraMedica Division delivers healthcare informatics, and is the leading provider of vendor neutral, enterprise-wide solutions for unrestricted medical image management. FUJIFILM Medical Systems U.S.A., Inc. is headquartered in Stamford, CT. For more information please visit www.fujifilmhealthcare.com and www.fujifilmendoscopy.com.

FUJIFILM Holdings Corporation, Tokyo, Japan brings continuous innovation and leading-edge products to a broad spectrum of industries, including: healthcare, with medical systems, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics; graphic systems; highly functional materials, such as flat panel display materials; optical devices, such as broadcast and cinema lenses; digital imaging; and document products. These are based on a vast portfolio of chemical, mechanical, optical, electronic, software and production technologies. In the year ended March 31, 2015, the company had global revenues of $20.8 billion, at an exchange rate of 120 yen to the dollar. Fujifilm is committed to environmental stewardship and good corporate citizenship. For more information, please visit: www.fujifilmholdings.com.

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